Champaka Ramanayake returns as Bangladesh bowling consultant

Champaka Ramanayake was the fast bowling coach of Bangladesh from 2008 to 2010. The former Sri Lankan pacer from Galle is back with the Tigers again as he has joined the team as a bowling consultant. He will work as a consultant with the High-Performance squad and other squads at the national level. He arrived at the practice session of Bangladeshi team today and met with the players, some of whom he is very familiar with.

Bangladesh are currently sweating it out in the nets as they have a mountain to climb in the form of mighty Australia. The baggy greens are touring the cricket maniac Asian nation and will lock horns against them for two Test matches. It is understood that the owner of 44 Test wickets Ramanayake will work with the players who did not quite make the cut for the important series.

The Tigers won’t rest after handling the Kangaroos as they will face another top level international team in the form of South Africa next, that too in Proteas’ own backyard. Bangladesh will travel to South Africa next month and the players who were omitted from the squad against Australia may be handed a first time ticket if they perform well under Champaka’s guidance. The Sri Lankan might also travel with the team in South Africa.

Sunil Joshi and Venkatapathy Raju prime targets as spin bowling coach

Former Australian cricketer Stuart MacGill was expected to join the Tigers’ support staff as the spin bowling coach. However, the Aussie has declined the offer as he won’t be able to come to Bangladesh to accept the three-month role. BCB is now looking for alternatives in they have shortlisted two Indians to become the spin bowling coach. The board is trying to get either Sunil Joshi or Venkatapathy Raju on board and a final call will be made within a couple of days.